Fighting over in 60 days – Defense chief

NEW MARAWI DEADLINE

to two months.

was the assessment of ground commanders and troops in the war-torn Mindanao city.

“We have asked, we asked the people there last week, the troops and commanders said that one or two months [the war could end]. It is still long,” he told reporters.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao island group under martial law, un

- tary rule until the end of the year.

The military had said it could recommend an early lifting of martial rule if it was no longer required.

This was not the first time - ish off the Maute fighters. On July 5, he said war would last for just three days starting. Twenty days later, the Defense chief said admitted that security forces had underestimated the strength of the Maute group.

In a speech at the National De -

“We were in Russia when the We suggested to the President if me, [ Armed Forces chief] Gen. [ Eduardo] Año and [ National Esperon Jr. should return in the

told military troops not to hurry in ending the war, which has so far killed 128 soldiers, 45 civilians and at least 552 Maute terrorists.

what the President had said, ‘do

‘More intel budget needed’

for intelligence to avoid another conflict and to “replenish” the on the war in Marawi.

“We would like to acquire facial recognition, more drones that we told reporters.

those funds were sourced from especially the procurement of more helmets, night vision goggles and